PRESS RELEASE
Art Camp 504 Reveals Galactic Mardi Gras House Float on Royal Street
The Bywater house float was made from recycled materials and is the only one in New Orleans created by kids
February 6, 2025 (NEW ORLEANS) - Art Camp 504, a non-profit organization offering year-round after school art programming to New Orleans area kids, is excited to announce that its students have completed their “mission” of creating a 40-foot spaceship-themed Mardi Gras house float. Spanning the entire exterior awning at The Tigermen Den in the Bywater, the house float is the only one in New Orleans created by kids.
Click here to view images of the house float (photos by Linka Odom).
In support of a more sustainable Mardi Gras, the Art Camp 504 house float was built with donated, recycled materials from The Green Project. For example, students used their creative skills to transform stovepipes into warp engines, juice bottles into jet rockets, and heating ducts into command consoles.When visiting the corner of Royal Street & Clouet Street, admirers will also notice the following features:
Map of our journey through the cosmos with interactive QR codes
Control panel and science center
“Wish upon a star” activity station
“Over 50 of Art Camp 504’s students and volunteers poured hundreds of hours into creating this galactic masterpiece,” said Sam Bass, founder and executive director of the non-profit. “Our hope is that this public art project gives our young artists a source of pride, while also serving as inspiration to our community as we revel in this season of creativity and imagination.”
At Art Camp 504, not only are the classes run by working local artists, but 30% of campers are able to attend thanks to scholarships, giving young creatives an enriching, rewarding experience that they would otherwise not have the opportunity to access. To support this year’s programming as well as view upcoming classes and workshops, visit artcamp504.org.
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About Art Camp 504
Art Camp 504 is a student-run art studio, offering year round workshops for passionate young artists in the New Orleans area. The non-profit enables students to lead their own creative journey through choice and exploration, guided by professional artists. Our curriculum emphasizes experiential art forms, leadership training and real world production skills. To learn more, visit artcamp504.org and follow us on Instagram @artcamp504.